Needle discoveries on rise

Thursday

Apr 24, 2014 at 3:07 PMApr 24, 2014 at 3:07 PM

By Martha Shanahanmshanahan@wickedlocal.com

Police are responding to an uptick in reports of hypodermic needles found in Beverly's downtown neighborhoods with increased patrols and a renewed focus on drug users.Chief John LeLacheur said, as the winter snow melts and areas known for heavy drug activity are cleared, more people are reporting finding the hypodermic needles used by drug users to inject themselves with heroin and other drugs.A total of 11 found needles have been reported to the department between March 27 and April 22; several of those have been located in the 400-block of Rantoul Street. The department has responded with a two-officer patrol charged with patrolling these areas — including behind the Elliott Street Walgreens store, an area of particular concern to neighbors, he said."We went down there and began patrolling, we cleaned up the needles and talked to Walgreens about keeping the shrubs in order," LeLacheur said.The two officers — part of the department's new community impact unit — have begun checking these areas more frequently, focusing on arresting drug users and encouraging people to call the department if they find a needle anywhere in the city."They're going to be out there, being a little more proactive in the neighborhoods and in the community," LeLacheur said.The department and the community impact unit are committed to responding to calls about drug use and curbing the activity of drug users across Beverly, he added."[Elliott Street] was one area that we dealt with, but we're gong to focus on the entire city," LeLacheur said. "If anyone calls us, we're going to respond to their needs."LeLacheur said the Beverly Police Department will be working with police in Danvers and Gloucester, using a grant to determine whether drugs are moving between the cities and how they can collaborate on the issue.

Needle safety and youIf you have concerns regarding the safe disposal of hypodermic needles and other medical sharps, the FDA has guidelines for you and your family. For more information visit fda.gov.- If you find a needle or other sharp improperly disposed, such as discarded on the ground, do not attempt to pick it up. Call the Beverly police for proper disposal.- If you have touched a needle or other sharp, wash your hands with soap and water, along with a sterilizing agent like rubbing alcohol. Call the police for proper disposal.- If you have pricked yourself on a sharp or touched a needle with an open wound on your skin, wash your skin immediately with soap, water, and a sterilizing agent like rubbing alcohol, and seek immediate medical attention.- Never throw needles or sharps away loose in the trash, break them, or flush them down the toilet.- If you are a user of needles or other sharps, always dispose of your sharps in a sharps container. You can find imformation on obtaining a sharps disposal container on the FDA's website, fda.gov, or by asking your doctor. In an emergency, you can use a heavy plastic container like a laundry detergent bottle.- Do not dispose of your sharps container in the trash. Call the Beverly Hospital to arrange disposal at 978-922-3000.Source: fda.gov